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Genesis
Accelerate your startup's growth
The Genesis program supports founders with mentoring, a supportive entrepreneurial community and a chance to win $25,000 in our biannual startup program.
Since launching in 2008, Genesis has supported more than 1,000 University of Sydney alumni, students and staff to accelerate their commercial and social enterprises. At the beginning of 2023, there were around 700 startups actively engaged in the Genesis program.
Each semester, we accept the best startups from across the university community. Successful startup teams gain one-on-one access to industry mentors and advisors, a database of entrepreneurship resources, networking events and media exposure.
The Genesis program culminates in the Finale, where finalist teams present their progress for the chance to receive $25,000 equity-free funding and a range of bespoke coaching and support opportunities.
Why should you apply?
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A chance to receive $25,000 equity-free funding
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Unrestricted access to a wide network of experienced mentors
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Make use of the University's employment and entrepreneurship resources
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Attend masterclasses, coaching sessions and alumni events
The benefits of Genesis
Support |
All applicants |
Top 15 |
Top 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the University of Sydney's community of mentors and founders | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to the University of Sydney startup job board | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to a growing database of entrepreneurship resources | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to 1-1 startup advisors | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Invitations to biannual startup mentor networking events | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Access to interns | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Get discounts and free credits for Google Cloud, AWS, Airtable, Stripe, Typeform and Notion | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ongoing media exposure and promotion | ✓ | ||
| Chance to win $25,000 (equity-free) cash | ✓ | ||
| Support with finding and writing grants | ✓ | ||
| Help with gaining corporate customers | ✓ |
The winner of the final pitch night will be awarded an equity free cash prize of AUD $25,000 as well as ongoing support from Genesis.
Application process
Genesis is open to the University of Sydney's alumni, staff and students. You can join as an individual or as a team as long as at least one of the founders is University of Sydney alumni, staff or student.
Step 1: Build your team
Any student, staff or alumni of USYD can apply solo or engage a team of like-minded individuals. Refer to the program criteria below for team size and eligibility.
Step 2: Apply online
You'll be guided through the application process which includes creating your personal and startup profiles.
The application will require you to answer questions about your business and we’re asking you to submit a short (two minutes maximum) video of you and your team talking to camera covering the following;
- WHY your idea is super important. How are you making the world better?
- WHO are you and why are you the right person/people to work on this?
- WHY are you applying to Genesis? If we could help you solve one thing, what would it be?
Video quality is not important, we just want to see and hear you present your startup to us.
Applications open on the 26th of July and close on the 26th of August. We'll notify you if you've been successful in gaining a place in the program!
- Startup ideas are only eligible if the business idea submitted originated from one or more members of the team and the intellectual property (IP) belongs solely to the team members.
- The program is open to teams that may rely upon IP owned by third parties, such as patented technology developed by companies or Universities. It is not necessary at the time of entry to have negotiated licenses or other agreements to use these ideas.
- The information submitted will be treated confidentially. Non-disclosure agreements will not be signed with any team. In order to participate in the program, you need to provide complete and reliable information about your idea and your team.
- A maximum of 15 startups (teams or individuals) will be admitted into the program.
- Teams enrolled in any other business competition run by the University of Sydney can also enrol in the Genesis program with the same idea.
- The team leader must be a current student, staff member or alumni of the University of Sydney. The team leader must present at the Finale. The other team members can be external to the University.
- Teams can be any size; you can even enter by yourself. However, due to COVID, a maximum of two members of your team can attend events unless express permission is granted. Typical teams are composed of 2-4 people.
- Teams can add or remove people throughout the program; however, the team leader must always be a student, staff or alumni of the University of Sydney. Any changes in the composition of your team needs to be advised to the Sydney Genesis team. If you add or remove a team member during the program, a new team agreement must be completed.
- Please note that cash prize payments are made in one payment to your nominated team leader. It is then up to them to distribute any winnings as agreed within the team.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can enter more than one idea.
Yes, you can enter by yourself; teams can be of any size. However, teams are typically composed of two to four people. You can still make changes in your team during the workshops phase; however, any changes made after your original team agreement will require a revised signed team agreement (that is, you must have a signed team agreement in place that corresponds to your current team).
Yes. In fact, Genesis is open to anyone including undergraduates, postgraduates, post doctorates, lecturers, alumni and staff.
Team leaders must be a current student, alumni or staff member of the University of Sydney. Other team members can be external to the University.
Genesis is open to entrants from any industry. It doesn't matter if you're developing a new piece of technology to sell globally or a new local retail concept. If you've got an idea you want to bring to life, we want you to enter!
Yes! Successful entrants in Genesis are at the cutting edge of innovation. Often this means HDR students. If you've been wondering how to commercialise your research, entering Genesis will provide you with valuable experience and connections.
Genesis success stories
